The Tesla Cybertruck is not rolling out until next year but the electric pickup is already a massively popular vehicle. This was evidenced by the half-million reservations reportedly logged by Tesla following the monster truck's introduction in November 2019. And a new survey indicated that the upcoming EV has a steadily growing fanbase.
As the Cybertruck is not the conventional type, it is battery-powered with a unique industrial design, Tesla said the pickup will mostly appeal to hardcore pickup truck fans. This was confirmed by Elon Musk by explaining recently that the EV's core attraction is its expected beastly capabilities.
That narrative seemed to be growing on a significant number of pickup truck users, according to a survey conducted by Strategic Vision. The study said that up to two million pickup owners are now into electrified trucks and they are keeping tabs on the upcoming releases such as the Cybertruck and GMC's Hummer EV.
Per Teslarati, these truck users are now sold on the idea that pickups can run on electricity and they can possibly deliver on the anticipated performance. But the survey made clear that existing pickup users will not automatically make the buy decision when the Cybertruck and other options start coming out.
For these EVs to get their money, they must be "rugged, powerful, and capable," all attributes that Musk said will certainly be loaded with the Cybertruck. The chief emphasis for long-time truck users is that the rig can do the actual work and Tesla's bet is tipped to pass the test with flying colors.
But likely the ultimate attraction to electric pickup is the cost of ownership - it needs to be more compelling when pitted against gas-powered types.
In this respect, the Cybertruck enjoys a potential edge over the competition. Tesla will retail the hulking EV starting at $40,000 and that price level plus the promise of long-term efficient use, conventional truck users could be convinced easily to migrate to electric when the Cybertruck becomes available.
It helps Tesla's case too that the Cybertruck was deliberately designed to be intimidating on the road. For some, the truck is polarizing and that may be true but it's hard to deny that the EV carries with it a statement of superiority, according to Clean Technica.
It might be that many see the angular Cybertruck as unsightly but for those attracted to the electric truck, they get the imposing message of durability and aerodynamics, added the report.
Tesla said the Cybertruck will start on the production phase likely in the second half of 2021 and in time for the completion of the company's Gigafactory in Texas. The rollout will follow in 2022.
